8 major factors undermining PDP’s return bid

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), once Nigeria’s dominant political force, has faced steep hurdles in its quest to reclaim power.

Analysts argue that for the party to reclaim national relevance, it must urgently resolve its lingering litigations, rebuild and energise its grassroots structures, rein in internal rivalries, and present a coherent, forward-looking vision that appeals to Nigeria’s diverse electorate.

BusinessDay findings show that eight critical factors have combined to stall the party’s comeback bid. They are:

Litigations

Pundits have argued that one of the major constraints is the wave of litigations that has plagued the party in recent years.

Disputes over primaries, leadership legitimacy, and zoning arrangements have frequently ended up in court, draining energy and resources.

Some party leaders have admitted that these legal battles not only distract from strategic planning but also create uncertainty around candidates, weakening voter confidence and party cohesion.

Loss of federal power

Equally significant is the loss of federal power in 2015, which has deprived the PDP of the institutional leverage that often sustains party machinery in Nigeria. Since the party lost power in 2015, it has not known peace, as it jumps from one round of crisis to another. All efforts to reclaim power keep proving ineffective over the years.

Without control of federal patronage networks, the party struggles to retain loyalty among political actors who are typically driven by access to resources and influence.

Observers say this has contributed to a gradual erosion of the party’s bargaining power in the country.

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Diminishing geographical spread

The party’s diminishing geographical spread has further complicated its prospects. The PDP which had the dream to remain in power for 60 years, has seen its influence shrinking in key regions in the country. Analysts are of the view that this has made it harder to build the broad coalition necessary for national victory, especially in a political system that rewards cross-regional appeal.

Godfathers still active

Internal dynamics have also played a critical role. The influence of ageing and increasingly de-powered godfathers has become a double-edged sword. While these figures once provided stability and direction, many now struggle to command loyalty or adapt to evolving political realities.

While some of the god-fathers like Bamanga Tukur, Bode George, Prof Jerry Gana, Ahmed Makarfi and many others are still alive in their old age, they wield no serious influence to stabilise the party.

Defections of bigwigs

Closely tied to this is the persistent problem of defections. High-profile defections from the PDP to other parties, especially the APC, has caused the opposition party serious challenges.

The wave of defections has not been limited to lawmakers alone. In recent months, a number of opposition governors also crossed over to the APC.

They are Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun).

The PDP is currently left with only two governors- Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, had equally defected from the PDP to the Accord Party.

Defections from the PDP had made the APC to cross the two-thirds majority threshold in both chambers of the National Assembly.

Analysts hold the view that each defection not only reduces the party’s numerical strength but also sends negative signals about its internal unity and future viability.

Zoning/presidential ticket

Another destabilising factor is the intense scramble for the presidential ticket. Rather than fostering healthy competition, the contest has frequently deepened factional divides within the PDP in recent years.

Zoning controversies and regional rivalries have made consensus difficult, raising the risk of parallel structures and post-primary grievances that further affect the party negatively.

Lack of compelling narrative

Beyond these core issues, the PDP has struggled to clearly distinguish itself ideologically from competitors, often appearing reactive rather than visionary.

In an era where voters increasingly demand clarity on economic reforms, governance, and security, this lack of a compelling narrative limits its appeal.

Trust deficit

Analysts say the party has continued to grapple with a deep trust deficit among voters, many of whom still link it to perceived governance shortcomings from its years in power.

This lingering perception has eroded public confidence and weakened its electoral appeal amidst intense crisis within its fold.

To regain relevance, observers argue, the PDP must go beyond rhetoric, and undertake visible internal reforms, strengthening transparency, and enforcing discipline within its ranks.